Connolly, 20, returns for second spell at the DW Stadium after initial 2016-17 loan stay

Latics boss Paul Cook: “Callum is a bright young player, who had a good year with Ipswich Town in the Championship, and he will add to our midfield.”

Wigan Athletic can confirm that Callum Connolly has signed for the club on a season-long loan deal from Everton.

Connolly, 20, played as a right back in his initial spell with Latics during the 2016-17 season but has the ability to play across defence and in midfield, as he did last season in an impressive loan spell with Ipswich Town, for whom he scored four goals in 35 appearances.

The Liverpool-born youngster made his senior bow with Barnsley in March 2016, during a brief loan spell at Oakwell before returning to Goodison Park, where he was handed a Premier League debut by former Latics boss Roberto Martinez against Southampton in April 2016.

Nine months later, Connolly made the move to Latics and scored twice on his debut having signed a day earlier, as Burton Albion were downed 2-0 at the Pirelli Stadium. Connolly made a further 17 appearances for Latics before joining up with the Toffees again last pre-season.

Last August, Connolly moved out on loan again, joining Ipswich Town and impressing then Tractor Boys boss Mick McCarthy in a midfield role.

Commenting on Connolly’s addition, Latics boss Paul Cook said:

“Callum is a bright young player, who had a good year with Ipswich Town in the Championship, and he will add to our midfield.”